Rotoliptic Recognized as the Winner of the Oil Sands Artificial Lift Challenge

Rotoliptic Recognized as the Winner of the Oil Sands Artificial Lift Challenge 

The team at Rotoliptic is committed to pushing the boundaries of artificial lift technology, providing innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency while addressing key industry challenges. Recently, this commitment was recognized through the Oil Sands Artificial Lift Challenge, where Rotoliptic was selected as the winner by Canada’s Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA), of the Pathways Alliance, presented by TechConnect. 

What is the Oil Sands Artificial Lift Challenge? 

In situ oil sands production in Canada presents extreme operational conditions, including high temperatures, multiphase flows, and a demanding production schedule. Electric submersible pumps (ESPs), widely used in these operations, frequently struggle with high gas-volume fractions (GVF), sand-laden fluid, and thermal stresses, leading to frequent failures, downtime, and costly replacements. 

The Oil Sands Artificial Lift Challenge was launched to identify innovative solutions that could improve artificial lift performance, reduce downtime, and increase efficiency in these complex environments. Companies from around the world were invited to propose technologies capable of handling multiphase and multi-component slurries without seizure or excessive wear, which is an ongoing challenge for conventional ESPs. 

How Rotoliptic’s Technology Stood Out 

Rotoliptic’s all-metal progressing cavity pump technology was recognized for its ability to: 

Handle extreme multiphase flow conditions:

Unlike traditional ESPs, our pumps efficiently transport fluid mixtures containing bitumen, methane, steam, and solid particulates without experiencing gas locking or failure. 

Operate in high-temperature environments:  

Designed to withstand temperatures up to 350°C, the Rotoliptic pump is able to handle the high temperatures in Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) applications. 

Reduce operational downtime:  

With enhanced durability and improved resistance to wear, our pumps extend the life of artificial lift systems, reducing the frequency of interventions and workovers. 

Enhance energy efficiency:  

By improving flow efficiency and reducing failure-related shutdowns, our pump technology lowers energy consumption, aligning with the Pathways Alliance’s sustainability goals. 

The Future of Artificial Lift Innovation 

Winning this challenge is a testament to our ongoing efforts to redefine artificial lift performance. As we collaborate with industry leaders, we continue to further test, validate, and scale our technology to support longer-lasting, more energy-efficient solutions for the oil sands and beyond. 

Rotoliptic remains committed to expanding our applications beyond oil & gas, exploring opportunities in mining, pulp mills, and industrial fluid management. Our goal is to drive innovation in artificial lift while continuing to contribute to operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.